There are actually good reasons to plant in a dry climate during times of drought, and to plant in semi-arid regions where water restrictions may be a regular part of life. The reasons are thus: plants provide shade and can increase a homes energy efficiency; they provide emotional and mental relief, as they are naturally pleasing; it is important to have diverse species in landscapes; and replacement trees can decrease plant life loss due to injury, age, or disease. Additionally, trees and shrubs contribute greatly to soil stability, preventing erosion.

Here are some important things to keep in mind if landscaping during times when the climate is drier:

Space available for landscaping. This is a very important consideration for any landscape design and especially for those designs during times of drought. There should be adequate rooting area as well as plenty of airspace. Large-growing trees should be planted well away from gardens, driveways, other trees, buildings, or too near a property line. This is important because most of a tree’s biomass is actually located under ground. You need to make sure there is enough space on your property to ensure that your plants will be able to grow properly.

Moisture concerns. Of course, in a dry climate or during times of drought, moisture needs are of great concern. There are trees that require a great deal of moisture (sometimes 30” of rain), and so you should be wary to plant these in semi-arid regions or during droughts. Find trees that do not require much water to thrive, or plant trees and shrubs that may need a little more water on lower portions of your property, where they may enjoy the benefits of storm run-off.

Selection. Plant a selection of trees and shrubs that will not grow so large. There are plenty of deciduous and evergreen trees that do not grow to be very big. Buy deciduous trees with 2 inches or less caliper, and make sure that your evergreens will reach no more than 6 feet in height. This will ensure that you have a good selection of plants that do not have strenuous water requirements.

Placement on property. It has already been noted that it might be better for some trees to be located on lower ground. There are other placement requirements to take into account when planning landscaping for dry or drought-affected climates. Make sure that you know the light requirements of the plants you buy. The south and west directions are usually drier and receive more sunlight than the north and east portions of a house. Consequently, if your plants need little more moisture, it is best to have them on the east and north sides of the landscape. The southern and western areas of your property can be landscaped with plants requiring less moisture and which might need more sunlight. Choosing a variety of plants that require a variety of conditions can help bring diversity to your landscape.

Landscaping adds great beauty to our home environs. It is very rewarding to have a beautiful prospect that can be seen on approaching one’s house (or looking out the window, for that matter). By using a little common sense, and by thinking carefully about what plants, trees, and shrubs would most likely suit your property, it is possible to lay out a plan for landscaping that will allow you to make use even of a dry climate or one that is drought-induced. And, when you choose wisely which plants to use in your landscape designs, you end up saving money, time, and frustration.

Related posts:

1. Plants for all Types of Dry or Drought-Prone Climates
2. Landscaping with Low-Maintenance Plants
3. 5 Tips for a Better Looking Landscape

It is important to note that there are very few plants that can survive in any climate. Many of the plants that would thrive in a semi-arid region would drown in tropical regions. Likewise, tropical and exotic plants would not do well in drier climates. However, many of the plants of the western states would do just fine in the eastern states, depending upon which were chosen. Here is a list of a few plants that look attractive in most landscapes, and which would survive quite nicely in a fairly wide range of climates found in the United States.

Perennials are not only great to grow in a variety of climates, but because they come back year after year, they are easier on the budget over a long period of time. Some of these plants include shrub roses like the Fru Dagmar Hastrup, which is a beautiful rose that is not terribly time-consuming to grow. It does not require constant attention like some other rose varieties do. The Black-eyed Susan, Butterfly weed, California poppy (will grow elsewhere), Portulaca. These are beautiful flowers that also require very little maintenance and can survive is climates from Florida to Nevada. Other flowers that look beautiful and thrive in many places include baby’s breath, sunflowers, orange coneflower, goldenrod, pansies, and bulb flowers like tulips, iris, daylily and crocus.

One of the most attractive and fun plants that grow in a wide variety of places is the flowering plant known as lamb’s ear. It attracts bees, helping your garden to better propagate and renew itself. Additionally, the soft leaves feel furry, much like lamb’s ears, and they are pleasant to the touch. The blooms on lamb’s ear not only look beautiful as part of the landscape, but they make economical decorations for home interiors as well; they look excellent in dried flower arrangements.

Other plants that can take a variety of climates include evergreen boxwood and the oriental yew. The evergreen boxwood makes great hedges and fills in backgrounds nicely, and the oriental yew makes an excellent accent plant with an exotic look. Yuccas, though they may not survive so well in the wettest portions of the country, do remarkably well outside the Southwest. The opuntias is noted for its ability to withstand cold, as well as dry conditions.

Finally, ground cover can prevent worries over weeds and caring for flowers. There are many different types of covers that are very attractive in a variety of landscapes, even though they may not all flower. Artemisia (also known as “silver king”) is among the most attractive, as are herbs like rosemary and thyme. Lavender is also beautiful, adaptive, and it adds the extra benefit of an attractive smell. Another herb that can serve as attractive groundcover with an excellent smell is Roman chamomile. These plants work to make the landscape pleasant for more than one of our human senses. Ornamental grasses can be planted in a variety of climates, as do the different types of lantana and salvia. Vines like honeysuckle and ivy grow in a variety of climates and can also be used as ground cover.

No matter where you live, it is possible to find plants that will enhance the beauty of your landscape. All it takes is a little looking around, and a knowledge of what grows well in your area. Luckily, there are a few plants, widely available and thus fairly inexpensive, that can be grown in almost any climate. And this can be a great addition to your property, refreshing the soul and beautifying the home within your budget and with very little need for continuous maintenance.

Related posts:

1. Landscaping During Times of Drought
2. Tips For Tropical Landscaping
3. What You Need To Know About Landscape Plants